Merghani is a dedicated member of the Professional Services team, committed to helping clients optimize their use of axiUm. Passionate about bridging the gap between technology and the healthcare industry, he focuses on maximizing the potential of current technologies and solutions to enhance efficiency and improve patient care.
Featured Speakers
April 9-10, 2025 - Conference Days
April 11, 2025 - Hands-On Training (Optional)
Explore three dynamic tracks — IT & Technology, Clinical Focus, and Finance & Administration — designed to transform dental education, enhance patient care, and streamline practice management.

axiUm
by Henry Shein One
Speakers

Merghani Ahmed
Technical Implementation Consultant, Henry Schein One | Academic
April 11 | 10:00 AM – axiUm Training: Mastering eRx
Using Electronic Prescriptions and Integrating Medications, Medical Problems and Allergies in the EHR.
April 11 | 11:15 AM – axiUm Training: Navigating Power Admin with Ease
What is Role Based Security and is it within reach?
April 11 | 1:45 PM – axiUm Training: Navigating EHR - Start to Finish
Deep Dive into the EHR – from Start Check to Approvals.

Pirin Becker
Associate Director of Clinical Systems & Informatics, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Biography
Pirin Becker is a seasoned leader with 17 years of expertise in dental education, clinical operations, and revenue cycle management. With a strong background in project management and continuous process improvement, Pirin currently serves as the Associate Director of Clinical Systems & Informatics at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Passionate about innovation, Pirin focuses on leveraging technology to elevate patient care and optimize operational efficiency.
April 9 | 11:15 AM – Brushing New Strokes in Patient Engagement: an axiUm Engage Case Study
This presentation will provide an in-depth case study of The University of Colorado’s adoption of the axiUm Engage patient portal solution, marking us as the first institution to integrate this innovative platform. We’ll trace the evolution of our approach to patient portal solutions, detailing the history of our adoption journey and the specific challenges and opportunities we identified along the way. Key topics will include: – The criteria we prioritized when selecting a new patient portal solution, from user experience to integration capabilities. – A step-by-step breakdown of the project implementation process, highlighting lessons learned and overcoming obstacles. – Insights from current metrics, demonstrating the platform’s impact on patient engagement and operational efficiency. – A forward-looking view of our plans for future expansion and enhancements with the axiUm Engage platform. By the end of this session, attendees will gain valuable insights into the complexities of adopting a new patient portal solution in an academic healthcare setting and will leave with actionable takeaways on best practices, potential pitfalls, and the roadmap for leveraging technology to enhance patient care.
April 9 | 4:00 PM – Consortium Session: CEDR Clinical & Training Track
The CEDR Clinical and Training Tracks provide a forum for attendees to discuss best practices and challenges related to student evaluations, prescribing practices, dental record functionality, and more. This session fosters collaboration on optimizing electronic health records, improving workflows, enhancing training and assessment methods, and leveraging data for better decision-making in education and patient care.

Stanley M. Bergman
Chairman of the Board and CEO, Henry Schein, Inc.
Biography
Since 1989, Stanley M. Bergman has been Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein, Inc., a Fortune 500® company and the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental and medical practitioners, with more than 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide and operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. Henry Schein is a member of the S&P 500® index. In 2024, the Company’s sales reached $12.7 billion. Henry Schein has earned a top score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index since 2015.
Mr. Bergman serves as a board member or advisor for numerous institutions including: as Chair, Dean’s Strategic Advisory Council, New York University College of Dentistry; Chairman of the Board, the University of the Witwatersrand Fund; Governor and Former Co-Chair, Global Health & Healthcare Governors Community, World Economic Forum; and Director Emeritus, Board of Overseers, Penn Dental Medicine. Mr. Bergman is an honorary member of the American Dental Association and the Alpha Omega International Dental Society. Mr. Bergman is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; the CR Magazine Corporate Responsibility Lifetime Achievement Award; the 2017 CEO of the Year award by Chief Executive Magazine; Honorary Doctorates from The University of the Witwatersrand, Western University of Health Sciences, Hofstra University, A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Case Western Reserve University, Farmingdale State College (SUNY), and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; and Honorary Fellowship from King’s College London – Dental Institute and the International College of Dentists.
Stanley and Dr. Marion Bergman and their family are active supporters of organizations fostering the arts, higher education, and cultural diversity, as well as grassroots health care and sustainable entrepreneurial economic development initiatives in the United States, Africa, and other developing regions of the world.
Mr. Bergman is a graduate of The University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and is a South African Chartered Accountant (CA SA) and a NYS Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
April 9 | 9:00 AM - Brushstrokes of Innovation: A Fireside Chat with Stan Bergman
Join Rick Gay and Stan Bergman for an intimate fireside chat where we’ll dive into the evolving landscape of dental education and the latest trends shaping our industry. Together, we’ll explore why Henry Schein continues to invest in this business and customer segment, discuss the biggest influences shaping academia, and look ahead to the future of dentistry. This informal and engaging session promises to deliver candid insights, offer a glimpse into our strategy and vision, and leave you with key takeaways to reflect on throughout the Summit. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and gain invaluable perspectives from Stan and the team.

Mike Bourgeois
Academic Sales Manager, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Mike Bourgeois leads axiUm’s sales function working with both the existing partners and potential new users. He enjoys creating long lasting relationships and is excited for another Summit spent getting to know everybody better.

Bill Bowers
Director of Patient Financial Management, The Dental College of Georgia
Biography
Bill Bowers is a dedicated leader with over 30 years’ experience in accounting, financial management, operations management and administration for organizations ranging in size from small business to multi-site industry leaders and academic institutions. For the past 17 years Bill has been at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, currently serving as the Director of Patient Financial Management. Throughout his career Bill has been committed to process improvement with a strong customer focus. He is passionate about team building as well as mentoring and developing staff to grow and take on additional leadership roles and responsibilities. Bill also currently serves as a member of the Advisory Group for the Consortium of Electronic Dental Records.

Jonathan Brennan, MD, DMD, MPH
Associate Dean, Innovation and Strategy, AT Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Biography
Dr. Jonny Brennan’s personal “why statement” is to tinker in noble and intuitive stillness so that we all maximize wellness and feel connecting love. As the Associate Dean of Innovation and Strategy at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) he strives to complete that life mission. In this capacity, he provides ongoing analysis, implementation and evaluation of dental informatics utilized in clinical systems as well as new initiatives to incorporate the latest educational technology in the classroom and clinic.
He has been part of the course design and didactic instruction in Oral Medicine and the Practice Management & Professional Development courses. He also leads the strategic direction for Digital Dentistry initiatives across the various restorative and surgical disciplines at ASDOH. Dr. Brennan is currently expanding into new platforms of technology in the realms of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and web 3 blockchain, particularly around their implementation in the dental and medical education arena.
Dr. Brennan co-founded Brennan Dental in Chandler, Arizona where he continues to practice general dentistry. He also works as a part-time consultant and subject matter expert in the dental technology and education space. Jonny graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University in 2004. He then earned his Medical Degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. Jonny continued his studies at A.T. Still University earning a Master of Public Health from the School of Health Management and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from ASDOH. Dr. Brennan and his wife live in Queen Creek with their two daughters and one son.
April 10 | 8:45 AM - Ignite Your Why: Transforming Dental Education Through Motivation
Join us for an engaging session that dives deep into the science and art of motivation. In this transformative presentation, you’ll discover how pioneering research—from self-determination theory to goal-setting strategies—can revolutionize dental education. Learn practical, actionable steps to foster an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive through enhanced autonomy, competence, and connection. Drawing on inspiring insights from Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” and a compelling personal narrative of overcoming real-life challenges, this session offers a roadmap to ignite passion and drive lasting change in your dental program. Whether you’re looking to energize your team or reshape your educational approach, this presentation is your catalyst for inspiring excellence.
April 10 | 1:00 PM - Digital Dentistry Simplified: A Step-by-Step Blueprint for Tomorrow’s Dental Educators
This presentation delivers a comprehensive, evidence‐based roadmap for integrating digital dentistry into predoctoral education. Through a detailed, three-phase approach, it explains how to start with contained pilot projects, gradually scale up digital modules across the curriculum, and ultimately transition into a fully mature digital environment with robust IT support, continuous faculty training, and systematic quality improvement. Drawing on research and practical strategies, the talk addresses common challenges—such as overcoming faculty skepticism and managing resource limitations—while providing actionable steps and real-world insights. (As a brief case in point, AT Still University – The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health exemplifies a successful journey from pilot to scaling stages.) Attendees will leave equipped with a clear blueprint to transform traditional dental education into a forward-thinking, digitally enriched experience.

Jon Dawes
Technical Support Engineer, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Jon is an essential member of our Custom Services team, with over ten years of experience with axiUm and over twenty-five years with Crystal Reports. Dedicated to efficiency, he loves to help our clients turn the contents of their databases into useful and valuable reports.
April 11 | 2:30 PM - axiUm Training: Transforming an Info Manager Report into a Custom Report
You know how to make a simple query in the Info Manager. Let’s take the next step and learn how to make a Custom List or Custom Report to fit a specific goal.

Jim DiMarino DMD, MSEd, CDC, FACD
Chief Executive Officer, Practice Booster
Biography
Dr. Jim holds a dental and master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a General Practice Residency, became a solopreneur, all while researching and implementing advanced dental technologies and consulting as a Dentrix and Schick trainer. He is also a patented inventor, trainer, educator, publisher, and lecturer having presented across the USA, Japan, Germany, London, Poland, Mexico, and Finland. He has worked in the dental insurance industry for over a decade as a dental consultant, a State Dental Director, a National Dental Insurance Director, and is an AADC Certified Dental Consultant. Dr. Jim is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the CEO of Practice Booster. Over the years, he also served as the Director of Medical Affairs for GlaxoSmithKline ensuring safety/compliance/governance standards for Sensodyne, Pronamel, Biotene, and Aquafresh.. As the Director of Clinical Affairs for Premier Dental, he coordinated product launch strategies, sales and dealer training, led their key opinion leader engagement program, and was integral in their new product development and launch strategies.
April 9 | 3:00 PM - CDT Coding Tools for Students - How to Maximize Dental School Clinic Coding/Revenue
This session introduces a web-based and mobile app designed to help dental students master CDT coding and maximize clinic revenue. Proper coding not only ensures accurate reimbursements but also prepares students for real-world dental practice. Attendees will learn how we can help educate students through lunch-and-learns, webinars, eCourses, and in-person training. Additionally, we’ll explore how our team of 1,875+ experienced dental billers can support clinics by ensuring accurate claim submission and payment processing. Join us to discover how efficient CDT coding can streamline operations, increase reimbursement, and set students up for long-term success in their careers.

Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, MPH
Dean Emeritus, University of Florida College of Dentistry Chief Dental Officer, Overjet, Inc.
Biography
Dr. Teresa Dolan is the Chief Dental Officer at Overjet (www.overjet.ai), the global leader in dental AI. She previously served as Dentsply Sirona’s Chief Clinical Officer, leading the global Clinical Affairs function, supporting new product development and overseeing the largest global clinical education program sponsored by dental industry. Dr. Dolan is also professor and dean emeritus of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she served as dean and chief academic officer from 2003 until 2013. She is recognized for her contributions to dental public health, geriatric dentistry and as a champion for diversity and women in dentistry. Dr. Dolan is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University; she earned a DDS degree from the University of Texas and a MPH degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. She was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Dental Health Services Research Scholar, completed a Veterans Administration Fellowship in Geriatric Dentistry, and is board certified in Dental Public Health. As a recognized leader in the dental profession, she currently serves as past-president of the Santa Fe Group, past-president of the American College of Dentists, and previously served on the board of directors of the ADA Forsyth.
April 10 | 10:45 AM - Beyond the Mouth: Reimagining Oral-Systemic Health Through Technology and Integration
This keynote address will explore the bidirectional relationship between oral health and systemic conditions, from cardiovascular disease to diabetes, while examining how this understanding necessitates a transformation in dental education and clinical practice. We will discuss how the traditional separation between medical and dental care creates barriers to comprehensive patient care, highlighting specific cases where this division has led to suboptimal health outcomes. Drawing from my perspective as both a clinician and technology leader, we will present how emerging technologies, particularly AI-powered diagnostic tools and integrated health information systems, can bridge the gap between dental and medical care delivery. The presentation will suggest practical strategies for implementing this integrated approach, including curriculum changes in dental education to emphasize systemic health connections, and the adoption of technology to facilitate communication between medical and dental providers. We will explore a vision of the future where dental practices serve as essential partners in monitoring and maintaining overall health, supported by advanced technology that enables early detection of systemic conditions through oral manifestations and facilitates coordinated care across disciplines.

Jason Drew
Integration Solutions Engineer, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Jason has over 8 years of experience in the enterprise software industry, specializing in implementation, project management, product development, and integrations. For the past 2 years, he has been a part of the Exan team, focusing on developing integration solutions for axiUm.
April 11 | 1:45 PM - axiUm Training: Reports Reboot - Get Organized!
Pre-defined reports are a flexible and powerful tool. We will cover how to efficiently create, organize, and manage these custom reports.

Josh Dueck
Paralympic Champion | World Champion | Motivational Speaker | X Games Gold Medalist | Paralympian Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014
Biography
A pioneer in Para alpine sit skiing, two-time Paralympian Josh Dueck reached the highest levels of his sport and remains an influential figure off the field of play. Born in Kimberley, British Columbia, he loved being on the snow and was a freestyle skier before an accident on the hill forced him to change his plans. Instead, he turned his attention to Para alpine skiing. Six years later, he was competing – and winning – when he made his Paralympic debut in his home province, suiting up for Canada at Vancouver 2010, where he won a silver medal in the men’s sitting slalom race. Josh is now a two-time Paralympian, having represented Canada at Sochi 2014, as well as a two-time X Games competitor in 2010 and 2011. In 2012, Josh became the first sit-skier to complete a backflip on snow, earning him worldwide notoriety. In Sochi, he added a silver and gold in the Men’s downhill sitting and Super G portion of the Men’s combined sitting. As the Chef de Mission for Canada’s Paralympic team at Beijing 2022, Josh looks forward to ‘creating opportunity from the unknown.
A pioneer in embracing adversity, demonstrating conscious leadership, and triumphing through tragedy. Josh’s raw approach to sharing stories is refreshing and takes you through the natural cadence of life, exploring the peaks and valleys of the human experience. His incredible success in sport has inspired him to explore the depth of his own humanity, which he shares with grace and humility. Josh’s candid observations will have you on the edge of your seat and the cusp of tears.
April 10 | 11:20 AM - Conscious Leadership
Drawing from his journey as a Paralympic Champion and advocate, Josh Dueck illuminates the profound impact of mindful leadership, guiding audiences to cultivate self-awareness and empathy to drive positive change in their organizations and communities.

Ramon Enachescu
Chief Information Officer, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Biography
Ramon serves as the Chief Information Officer at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, guiding the institution’s technology vision. With over 25 years of comprehensive IT experience — spanning software development, implementation, systems administration and enterprise application leadership — he brings a deep understanding of the technology landscape. This broad experience includes more than 14 years focused specifically within dental higher education IT at USC and Loma Linda University, along with a significant 9-year tenure at Exan Group earlier in his career. Ramon is dedicated to continuously exploring and implementing emerging technologies to shape the future of dental informatics.
April 9 | 2:00 PM - Optimizing External & Community Rotations
In this session, you’ll hear from two dental schools on how they currently approach sending students on external rotations/externships, learn about our plans to better support those types of programs, and then have an open discussion with others in the session about their programs and needs.

Jean Fox, DDS
Associate Professor & Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, NEOMED Bitonte College of Dentistry
Biography
Jean Fox has nearly 40 years of experience in dentistry including 30 years of private practice and 20 years in dental education. Jean is currently an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at the Bitonte College of Dentistry in Rootstown, Ohio. Ready to accept the inaugural class of students in August of 2025. Prior to coming to NEOMED Bitonte College of Dentistry she served as Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Quality Assurance at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. Duties included clinical quality improvement, clinical information systems, managing the COD Risk Management Program and ensuring a successful accreditation visit in October 2022. Prior Service at CWRU School of Dental Medicine as Director of Patient Services/ Duties included Complex Case Coordinator, Clinical Review Specialist, DEA and Pharmacy holder including managing Pyxis Med Station and Safe, and managing credentialing for Medicaid and Managed Care Plans. Jean’s passion is managing delivery of a quality educational program. She has been a Course Director/ Co-Director for 22 clinical courses, IPE education, Evidence Based Dentistry curriculum and calibration of faculty for extramural sites. Jean Fox has been inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society and held a leadership position in this society for 13 years. She is a member of ADEA and held the position for Council of Faculties for CWRU for 10 years. In 2021 Jean was nominated for the CWRU Think Big Leadership Award, targeting individuals pushing boundaries in dental education. Jean Fox received her DDS degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine.
April 9 | 2:00 PM - Optimizing External & Community Rotations
In this session, you’ll hear from two dental schools on how they currently approach sending students on external rotations/externships, learn about our plans to better support those types of programs, and then have an open discussion with others in the session about their programs and needs.

Joe Galinanes
VP, Strategic Account Management, IntelePeer
Biography
Joe Galinanes is a highly accomplished professional with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in the technology industry. Specializing in strategic business development, complex technical solutions, and marketing, Joe has honed his expertise across various vertical markets, demonstrating a versatile and adaptive approach to solving challenges for clients. With a solid track record of cultivating key partnerships and driving business growth, Joe is recognized for his exceptional communication skills and collaborative leadership style, enabling him to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Passionate about innovation and creating value for clients and organizations, Joe is dedicated to leveraging his extensive experience to deliver impactful solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer.
April 9 | 1:00 PM – Revolutionizing Patient Experience and Operational Efficiency with AI
Is your dental school suffering from:
- Poor patient experience
- High appointment no-show and cancellation rates
- Burnt-out/High Turnover
The solution is AI.
Attend IntelePeer’s breakout session to see a live, interactive demo of an AI agent interacting with a dental patient. Following the demo, you will learn how you can use your patient interaction data and agentic AI to rapidly transform patient engagement. Don’t miss out on this chance to see how you can deliver great patient experience, streamline appointment management, improve staff morale, and more. All using AI agents.

Nisha Ganesh, DDS, MAEd
Director Predoctoral Education and Vice Chair, Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Biography
Dr. Nisha Ganesh completed her DDS at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland in 2007, followed by a two-year certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. After working part-time in private practice, she committed to a full-time role as a General Practice Manager, from 2009-2012. Her duties included mentoring third- and fourth-year dental students during their clinical training and tracking their academic progress through the clinical portion of the curriculum. This experience served Dr. Ganesh well during her time at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. From the fall of 2012 to fall of 2017, she fulfilled the role of group leader and director of predoctoral clinical education. Dr. Ganesh rejoined The University of Maryland School of Dentistry faculty in November of 2017, as clinical assistant professor, director of predoctoral education in general dentistry, and director of ADEX examinations at the School of Dentistry. She is completed a Master of Arts in Education in 2019 through the College of Education at ECU. In 2021, she was appointed Vice Chair of the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry. In 2022, she was promoted to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor. Her goals include working collaboratively with the faculty and staff of the UMSOD to enhance the comprehensive learning and education of the dental students, in turn facilitating quality patient care.
April 9 | 4:00 PM – Consortium Session: CEDR Clinical & Training Track
Open session for those with interest or responsibility in the clinical and clinical education aspect of the their institution.

Rick Gay
General Manager, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Rick is the new General Manager of our Academic business at Henry Schein One leading the axiUm and Ascend Academic software lines of business. The majority of Rick’s career has been built in the enterprise technology space, working across financial services, life sciences, hospitality, retail and manufacturing to touch on a few. He brings a strong technical foundation in computer science and commerce, supplemented with extensive leadership experience.
Prior to joining Henry Schein, Rick was Vice President of Revenue for a high-growth hospitality technology company, leading Series A and B funding and demonstrating his ability to drive growth and revenue in a dynamic and challenging environment. His expertise also extends into the AI and machine learning space, where he spent two years focusing on overhauling outdated methodologies of merchandise planning by using machine learning algorithms to optimize major retailers to buy and manufacture more sustainably. Rick’s wealth of knowledge and experience from multiple industries, technologies and countries positions him to provide valuable perspectives and thought leadership in today’s rapidly evolving business and technology landscape.
In addition to his professional journey, Rick is also an ex-international field hockey player, competing in major competitions globally, and reflecting his dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit both on and off the field.
April 9 | 8:15 AM – Panel - Leadership Insights: Curating the Future of Dental Education
Join us for an engaging panel discussion with the leaders of Henry Schein One – Academic, where we’ll explore the latest trends shaping the dental education industry. In this second year, we’ll dig deeper into how these trends will evolve and the impact on our product. We’ll discuss our innovative solutions, share our strategic vision for the future, and provide insights into how we’re positioning ourselves. This session is your opportunity to connect with our dedicated team, learn more about the future trajectory of our product, and understand how we’re addressing the needs of the industry.
April 9 | 9:00 AM – Brushstrokes of Innovation: A Fireside Chat with Stan Bergman
Join Rick and Stan Bergman for an intimate fireside chat where we’ll dive into the evolving landscape of dental education and the latest trends shaping our industry. Together, we’ll explore why Henry Schein continues to invest in this business and customer segment, discuss the biggest influences shaping academia, and look ahead to the future of dentistry. This informal and engaging session promises to deliver candid insights, offer a glimpse into our strategy and vision, and leave you with key takeaways to reflect on throughout the Summit. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and gain invaluable perspectives from Stan and the team.

David George, DDS, MBA, MS, FAGD
Chief of Staff, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Biography
Dr. George currently holds the position of Chief of Staff and Chief Operations Officer of Faculty Dental Services at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. The Chief of Staff is the second highest authority in the School of Dentistry. Dr. George has years of experience in dentistry that includes active clinical practice, administration, education, finance, and clinical operations. Dr. George received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Medical College of Virginia in 1988 followed by a certificate from the University of Maryland Dental School in Advanced General Dentistry in 1989. He received his Fellowship certificate from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2000. He received a Masters of Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Management Consulting from R. H. Smith / University of Maryland in 2002. In 2017, he received a Master of Science in Data Analytics from the University of Maryland University College.
April 10 | 10:15 AM - Panel Discussion: Medical-Dental Integration
Open session for those with interest or responsibility in the clinical and clinical education aspect of the their institution.

Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh
Senior Clinical Manager, Overjet
Biography
As a frontier leader and dental artificial intelligence expert, Dr. Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh, works at Overjet, one of the top five software companies reported by Dental Products Report. As Senior Clinical Manager for Overjet, she helps shape the industry standards for what we can expect of Artificial Intelligence today and where we can expect it to go in the future. With a background in technology, health care, and world-class service, Dr. Ghorbanifarajzadeh’s passions align with the mission that technology will bring to dentistry. She is energized by the growing technologies that will not only improve patient dental care but overall healthcare as well. Dr. Ghorbanifarajzadeh is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and was the recipient of the Oral Maxillofacial Radiology Award.
April 10 | 3:00 PM - AI Computer Vision in Dental Education Now!
AI for dentistry isn’t a new technology, though computer vision-supported radiographic interpretation is! See the successful applications and implementations at various dental schools across the United States bring this technology to their students and how you can do the same!

Debbie Hannis
Senior Product Manager, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Debbie has over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in spearheading the definition, design, and delivery of enterprise-level clinical technology solutions. She is passionate about engaging customers and leveraging technology advancements to create innovative products that align with business goals.
April 10 | 1:00 PM - The Beauty of Simplifying Claims & Remittance Processing – Accelerate Your Revenue Collection
Managing claims and remittances can be overwhelming…just like learning how to paint. The key to mastering the art of turning a blank canvas into a finished masterpiece lies in simplifying the process into 3 steps: Sketch, Block in, and Refine. In this session, we will look at how the new enhancements in axiUm version 2025.1 and the Auto Remittance module can help simplify the claims and remittance process to accelerate revenue collection at your organization.
April 10 | 4:00 PM - Making Connections: Exploring RCM/835 Together
Debbie will guide this interactive session on revenue cycle management and 835 processes. This is a great chance to exchange insights, including the new US claims workflows, share practical approaches, and collaborate with peers on ways to enhance operational efficiency.

Brent Idleman
Director of Clinical Technology, VCU Dentistry
Biography
Brent Idleman has an eclectic background, including teaching music, running a photography business, coaching sports, writing and his current position, Director of Clinical Technology at VCU Dentistry. He is passionate about leading a team that is willing to learn, innovate, support, and teach, powered by a hope that everyone involved in dentistry at VCU has a memorable and meaningful experience. He enjoys all things music, soccer, and video games, but is most intentional about leading his family and being a presence in the foster/adoption community.
April 9 | 2:00 PM – IT Takes a Village
VCU Dentistry’s IT team is ushering in a new paradigm of IT support. This session will briefly highlight how this is happening. The last portion will allow for reflection and discussion from other schools’ IT professionals.
April 9 | 4:00 PM – Consortium Session: CEDR IT Track
This session will be an open discussion about topics related to the information technology behind supporting a dental school.

Amid Ibrahim Ismail, BDS, MPH, DrPH, MBA
Dean and Laura H. Carnell Professor, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
Biography
Amid Ibrahim Ismail, BDS, MPH, DrPH, MBA, is the Laura H. Carnell Professor and the Dean of the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. After his long career in the population-based research and caries research and his interventions to reduce health disparities in caries and oral cancer, Dr. Ismail assumed the challenging position of rebuilding the Temple University’s Dental School which was established in 1863.
His expertise is in the field of outcomes assessment, design and planning for complex studies, survey methods and organizational management. He has received awards from the International Association for Dental Research (H. Trendley Dean Award), the Regents’ of the University of Michigan (Community Service), Leadership citations from the American Dental Association and the Shils-Meskin Leadership Award in Dental Education.
Dr. Ismail co-founded the International Caries Detection and Assessment System Coordinating Committee and the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders. He has received the 2019 Philadelphia Globy Award and the 2020 Philadelphia Israel Chamber of Commerce innovation award.
April 10 | 9:20 AM - Analysis of Patient Wellness Report Using axiUm Records
Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry assesses 15 health outcomes for all patients receiving comprehensive care. These include quality of life, overall health status, oral hygiene, tobacco and alcohol use, caries risk status, non-cavitated and cavitated lesions, gingivitis, periodontal pockets, and major medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes). This presentation shares findings from an evaluation of Patient Wellness Reports (PWRs) based on data extracted from 44,265 patients seen since January 1, 2015. Due to variations in PWR implementation, the analysis focuses on 10,640 patients who completed all treatments between 2021 and 2023.
Key findings include:
- Caries lesions and risk improvement: Strongly associated with age, fluoride use, recall exams, dietary advice, bitewing radiographs (indicating frequent dental visits), wellness checkups, prophylaxis, and periodontal treatments.
- Disease progression: Linked to longer gaps between dental visits and a higher number of restorative treatments.
- Periodontal disease improvement: Correlated with periodontal treatment codes, dietary counseling, prostheses, and recall exams.
- Periodontal disease progression: Associated with infrequent dental visits, older age, poor oral hygiene, and a higher number of restorations.
The PWR method has proven viable and scalable, demonstrating that preventive care significantly impacts oral health outcomes in a dental school environment.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Amid I. Ismail, BDS, MPH, DrPH, MBA
- Laura H. Carnell Professor and Dean, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Expertise: Epidemiology, public health, dental care, learning management, and cariology.
- Holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
- Diplomate, American Board of Dental Public Health.
- Published over 130 peer-reviewed papers and multiple book chapters.
- Secured over $16 million in research funding.
- H-index: 75.
- Led Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry’s transformation, enhancing its role in community engagement, research, and clinical education.

Jessica Jensen
Head of Product, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Jessica is a seasoned product management leader with extensive experience in understanding and articulating market needs. She specializes in empowering customers in highly-regulated industries to tackle data-intensive challenges, uncover actionable insights, and transform their businesses into masterpieces. Jessica holds a Commerce degree and is based in Vancouver, Canada.
April 9 | 10:00 AM – The Art of Innovation: the axiUm Roadmap
Check out the latest updates and what’s coming next in our product roadmap. We’ll review our recent releases, introduce upcoming projects, and highlight how we’re investing in axiUm to match your school’s goals and improve patient care. In this session, you’ll get a clear picture of our plans and see how our expertise and new research are helping your school stay ahead in oral healthcare and dental education.
April 9 | 2:00 PM - Optimizing External & Community Rotations
In this session, you’ll hear from two dental schools on how they currently approach sending students on external rotations/externships, learn about our plans to better support those types of programs, and then have an open discussion with others in the session about their programs and needs.
April 10 | 4:00 PM - IT Networking Session: User Authentication: A Collaborative Exchange
Jessica moderates this session on user authentication within axiUm. Bring your experiences and ideas as we discuss the expected HIPPA changes, current processes, and your organization’s future plans.

Radhika Khadria
Senior Product Manager, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Radhika is a Senior Product Manager for axiUm, bringing a unique blend of clinical expertise and technological insight to the dental academic software space. A former dentist with an MBA, Radhika focuses on developing user-centric solutions that enhance efficiency and improve patient experiences. Passionate about innovation in healthcare, Radhika is dedicated to creating seamless and intuitive digital experiences for providers and patients alike.
April 10 | 4:00 PM - Clinical Networking Session: Opening the Dialogue - Self-Scheduling in Clinical Practice
Join Radhika for a guided discussion on self-scheduling. This interactive session creates space for open dialogue, where attendees can share challenges, insights, and best practices, all facilitated by a knowledgeable moderator.

David Kochman
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Henry Schein, Inc.
Biography
David Kochman serves as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Henry Schein, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company and the world’s largest provider of healthcare solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners. In that position he is responsible for a diverse array of the Company’s global corporate functions, including Communications, Professional Relations and Strategic Partnerships, Government Relations, Public Policy, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, Team Engagement, Customer and Employee Experience, Creative Services, and Corporate Events activities, as well as the management and administration of projects and initiatives originating from the Office of the CEO. Previously, David acted as the General Counsel and Corporate Development Officer for a privately-held company in the regulated consumer products industry, and was a Partner in the New York office of the international law firm Reed Smith. Before law school, David worked in Jerusalem for the Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset. David is actively involved with charitable organizations focused on health care and criminal justice, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both MedShare International (Atlanta) and The Fortune Society (NYC), as well as the NYU Dental Dean’s Strategic Council, University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dean’s Advisory Board, Penn Dental Medicine Board of Advisors, and Temple University School of Dentistry Board of Visitors. David has represented death row inmates in post-conviction proceedings, and has received numerous awards recognizing his dedication to public service. David received his B.A. in Philosophy from Emory University and his J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
April 9 | 10:45 AM – Henry Schein Cares - Building Trust & Shared Value
Using corporate citizenship and stakeholder partnerships to build trust and shared value.

Alex Kostiouk
Project Manager, Patient Records Application, University of British Columbia
Biography
Alex Kostiouk is a Project Manager at UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry, specializing in EHR implementation and workflow optimization. With experience leading high-impact digital projects for major brands at a global agency, Alex brings expertise in project prioritization, stakeholder alignment, and deployment methodologies across healthcare, tech and enterprise systems.
April 9 | 2:00 PM – Project Prioritization & Staying On Track: Lessons From Implementation
The premise of this session is to provide attendees with an opportunity to discuss strategies for prioritizing axiUm-related projects, the methodologies they use to manage and deploy them, and how they ensure successful adoption of the proposed techniques and tools that drive project success.

Milorad Kovacevic
Senior Technical Engineer, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
I’m a Senior IT consultant with Oracle Professional, Microsoft Technology Specialist and ITIL certificates, fully experienced in system development life cycle.
April 11 | 12:45 PM – axiUm Training: Diagnosing Performance Issues
Deep dive into the state of your Oracle database through analyzing AWR reports.

Tamara Lee
Director of Global Operations, Academic, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Tamara brings over 20 years experience in leading technical services and support teams across various industries. As Director of Operations for Henry Schein One’s Academic division, Tamara works closely with the Academic leadership team to develop and implement operational strategies to support our business goals, while also heading our services and support functions. Getting to build close relationships with our customers is an enjoyable aspect of Tamara’s work. Tamara also holds degrees in archaeology and Viking age studies, and has taught anthropology and Norwegian language part-time for fun.
April 10 | 10:15 AM – Panel Discussion: Medical-Dental Integration
Tamara will moderate a discussion regarding medical and dental integration at three institutions.

Nicole Mansfield
Integration Solutions Engineer, Academic, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Nicole is an Integration Solutions Engineer who has been connecting axiUm to other systems since 2018. She thrives on finding creative solutions to any problem.
April 11 | 9:00 AM – axiUm Training: Building Bridges: From Concept to Custom Solutions
Sharing Data Between axiUm and Other Systems.

Farhan Masud
Head of Engineering - axiUm, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Farhan is a seasoned engineering leader with over 15 years of experience in software engineering, building high-performance teams, driving innovation, and leading modernization efforts. With a proven track record of delivering scalable solutions, he is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to solve complex challenges. Farhan holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from UBC and is based in Vancouver, Canada.
April 9 | 1:00 PM – Exploring the Migration from Oracle to PostgreSQL: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices
This presentation explores the potential migration from Oracle to on-prem PostgreSQL, highlighting cost savings, performance gains, and vendor independence. It outlines a structured process, key challenges, mitigation strategies, and best practices for a smooth transition.

Chuck McBrearty
Research Consultant, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics
Biography
With over 36 years of experience in academic IT and nearly two decades in Dental IT, Chuck is the former Dean of Information Technology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. In that role, he provided strategic direction and leadership for all IT-related activities within the college, encompassing clinical, research, instructional, and administrative domains. In his current role, Chuck supports research initiatives by applying data mining techniques to extract valuable insights from large datasets, collaborates with other university departments to create a comprehensive healthcare DataMart and facilitates advanced research and data analysis for the college’s research enterprise. Chuck is dedicated to advancing the IT capabilities of the College of Dentistry, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the college’s clinical, research, instructional, and administrative functions.
April 9 | 3:00 PM – Integrating Patients' Medical and Dental Data into a DIY Data Mart
Access to comprehensive data is essential for conducting impactful research. By integrating a patient’s complete health history, we can unlock enhanced research opportunities, improve data accessibility, and enable more thorough data analysis, ultimately benefiting both providers and patients. Learn how the University of Iowa Colleges of Dentistry and Medicine partnered to create a tool allowing researchers to query a combined medical (Epic) and dental (axium) dataset at Iowa. This initiative allows researchers to access integrated medical and dental data for prospective research projects.

Lauralynn Mealing, PMP
Consultant, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Lauralynn has over 30 years experience with dental administration and dental management software solutions. First joining Exan in 1986, Lauralynn has worked on hundreds of projects with private dental clinics as well as dental schools across North America and beyond.
April 10 | 3:00 PM – Scheduling for Specialty Clinics
Specialty clinics manage appointments for faculty, residents and perhaps students on rotations. axiUm has many scheduling tools to meet the needs of these clinics. Lauralynn will present some typical scenarios where basic scheduling solutions do not suffice and how the advanced features can solve these unique business needs and enhance patient care.
April 11 | 9:00 AM – axiUm Training: Old Favorites, New Adventures!
Forgotten Features – Oldies but Goodies!
April 11 | 2:30 PM – axiUm Training: Match Made in Care: Assignments
Matching Patients with Students – Using Needs and Re-assignments

Melissa Miller
Chief Information Officer, University of Penn School of Dental Medicine
Biography
Melissa Miller is the Chief Information Officer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she leads the strategic integration of technology to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and drive innovation in dental education and research. With over 20 years of experience in IT leadership, she specializes in leveraging technology to improve efficiencies, optimize workflows, and drive transformative advancements in patient care operations. Melissa is committed to advancing digital initiatives that improve both provider and patient experiences while ensuring the highest standards of data security and privacy.

Sean Mong, DDS, EdD
Clinic Director & Section Chair, University of California, Los Angeles
Biography
Dr. Sean Mong is a Health Science Clinical Professor and Section Chair of Interdisciplinary Dentistry at UCLA’s School of Dentistry, where they also serve as Clinic Director for the Dental Student General Clinic. With expertise in Clinic Operations, Risk Management, and Quality Assurance, Dr. Mong has been instrumental in implementing evidence-based practices like Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) into clinical workflows. Their efforts include collaborating with the axiUm team to design a more user-friendly CAMBRA form, streamlining the assessment process, and integrating it into electronic health records to improve clinical teaching and patient care. Dr. Mong’s interest are, but not limited, to curriculum modernization, clinical coaching, and leveraging informatics solutions to enhance operational efficiency and data collection for research.
April 9 | 1:00 PM – CAMBRA Implementation in axiUm: axiUm Form & Flexibility
In this presentation, we would like to share our solutions for integrating Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) into clinical teaching and workflows. This session highlights UCLA’s journey to enhance CAMBRA adoption through customized axiUm forms inspired by another school’s successful model. Learn about streamlined assessment processes, improved electronic health record integration, and user-friendly tools to overcome workflow barriers. Discover how axiUm form can improve clinical education, patient outcomes, and data collection for research. Ideal for educators, clinicians, and administrators seeking to optimize dental care delivery through utilizing EHR supporting evidence-based practices.

Kasi Pankey
Supervisor, Dental Informatics, OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University
Biography
I have been with the OHSU School of Dentistry since June 2024, serving as the Informatics and Technology Supervisor. I oversee the integration and optimization of technology and informatics systems to enhance dental education and patient care. Prior to joining OHSU, I had a long-standing career at Kaiser Permanente, where I held multiple roles in both medical and dental fields, spanning nearly twenty-four years. From 2015 to 2024, I was the Program Manager in Dental Administration, focusing on dental informatics and technology, leading initiatives to streamline dental operations and improve technological infrastructure. Before becoming a Program Manager, I spent five years as an Application and Projects Manager, coordinating and implementing dental applications, such as axiUm, to support clinical and administrative functions. Prior to transitioning to the dental side of Kaiser, I spent my earlier years in the medical side as a project coordinator/manager for several departments, including hospital operations and KP HealthConnect (Epic).

J. Donnie Parris
Director, Patient Business Services and Financial Analyst, Virginia Commonwealth University Dental Care
Biography
With over 20 years of healthcare and dental operations expertise and 16 years of leadership experience, Donnie Parris is a seasoned professional specializing in healthcare administration, business strategy, and analytics. Currently serving as Director of Patient Business Services and Financial Data Analyst at VCU, Donnie oversees revenue cycle operations in a fast-paced healthcare education environment. He is an innovator in business intelligence, process management, and managerial accounting, combining exceptional public speaking and data presentation skills to drive strategic decision-making. James has held various leadership roles, including Director of Operations at Danville Dental Associates, a regional group practice, and Director of Business Strategy at VCU. Throughout his career, he has championed technological advancements, streamlined processes, and mentored future healthcare professionals. His extensive experience also includes teaching continuing education courses, serving on executive boards, and championing healthcare initiatives. When not shaping the future of dental healthcare, Donnie contributes to the community as an Executive Board Member of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, a member of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services Dental Advisory Committee, and an Advisory Committee member of the Consortium for Electronic Dental Records.
April 9 | 4:00 PM – Consortium Session: CEDR Financial Track
This is a time for both new and season Summit attendees with financial and revenue cycle related positions to come together to discuss common challenges, wins, and opportunities. It is also a time to engage with the Consortium for Electronic Dental Records. We will engage in some lightning-round discussion topics, introduce CEDR to new attendees, and review topics that need ongoing attention as we go back to our daily jobs.
April 10 | 2:00 PM – Financial Reporting - Data and Dashboards
We protest that it is difficult to manage without accountability, but how do we hold ourselves accountable when we don’t know our goals? Follow VCU’s journey from time-consuming Excel sheets to a sleek Tableau-driven Key Performance Indicator dashboard. How do we create KPI definitions that apply to all departments? How do we use KPIs to measure success without compromising care? And, continuing the conversation from CEDR Midyear, what opportunities exist for our organizations to create benchmark KPIs?

Heitor Queiroz, MBA
Implementation Consultant, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Heitor is a customer-centric professional with an MBA and years of experience in software implementation, customer success, and customer support for the healthcare industry. With a passion for solving problems and aligning technologies with client workflows, Heitor has built a reputation for delivering innovative SaaS solutions that drive efficiency and improve patient care.
April 11 | 10:00 AM – axiUm Training: From Bills to Bucks: Patient Collections
My Patient Didn’t Pay, Now What? – A Systematic Collection Workflow
April 11 | 11:15 AM – axiUm Training: Integrate & Elevate: Dispensary Insights!
Dispensary Module Review – Understanding Options
April 11 | 12:45 PM – axiUm Training: Appointment Mastery: Plan to Win!
Building Appointments for Success – Requests/Planned, Attaching Treatments and Recalls
April 11 | 2:30 PM – axiUm Training: Your Treatment Toolkit: Plan with Purpose!
Treatments Planning Module Review Including Clinical Diagnosis Codes and Expert Lists

Vani Sahni
Technical Implementation Consultant, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
Vani Sahni is a Technical Implementation Consultant dedicated to advancing technology solutions in the dental world. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, Vani has played a pivotal role in implementing CDAnet across Canadian dental and hygiene schools. Driven by a passion for equitable healthcare, Vani believes CDAnet’s new insurance coverages are a transformative step in ensuring that everyone in Canada receives the dental care they deserve. At the summit, Vani will share insights into the implementation process and insights about CDAnet.
April 10 | 2:00 PM – CDAnet: Exploring Advancements and Future Developments - Part One
Exploring the advancements in CDAnet and future developments that will enhance efficiency in dental and hygiene schools across Canada.
April 10 | 3:00 PM – CDAnet: Exploring Advancements and Future Developments - Part Two
(continued from Part One) Exploring the advancements in CDAnet and future developments that will enhance efficiency in dental and hygiene schools across Canada.
April 11 | 9:00 AM – axiUm Training: Patient Payment Essentials
Best Practices for Patient Payment Processing Including Pre-Payments and Auto Allocations
April 11 | 11:15 AM – axiUm Training: Insurance Hacks: Denials to Dollars
Working Insurance Claims – Handling Denials, Secondary Claims and the Dreaded Recoupments
April 11 | 1:45 PM – axiUm Training: A/R Makeover: Clearing the Clutter
New axiUm Processes to Handle Old Balances and Masses of Old Unallocated Payments and Adjustments

Angad Thukral, MBA
Project Manager and Implementation Consultant, Henry Schein One | Academic
Biography
MBA graduate with expertise in Project management, team coordination, and strategic execution.
April 11 | 10:00 AM – axiUm Training: axiUm Answers at Your Fingertips!
Help is Just a Click Away! – Understanding where to find answers to your axiUm questions.
April 11 | 12:45 PM – axiUm Training: Exploring Lab Tracking
Lab Tracking – Module Basics, Options and Some Cool Extras.

Behan Venter
CTO and Founder, Hudson Cloud Systems
Biography
Behan Venter is an accomplished IT strategist and leader with a strong track record in driving technological innovation and business growth. With extensive experience at GE, Microsoft, NBC Universal, and as the Principal IT Strategist & Founder of Hudson Cloud Systems, Behan has led transformative projects that scale operations, optimize performance, and deliver mission-critical solutions. At Microsoft, Behan played a pivotal role in the exponential growth of Exchange Online and Office 365 by establishing a global Operations Team. His decade at NBC Universal was marked by the development and management of enterprise infrastructure that ensured the reliability of on-air systems. Behan’s entrepreneurial drive led him to serve as interim CIO for a New York-based startup, where he focused on mobile app development and contributed to an award-winning cloud-based eLearning platform for the NYC Department of Education. Currently, as CTO and Founder of Hudson Cloud Systems, Behan leads the company in providing cutting-edge Virtual Desktops and Azure cloud services, specializing in the healthcare sector. His expertise lies in IT strategy, mission-critical system development, and operational excellence.
April 10 | 2:00 PM – Virtual Desktops in the Cloud: A History of Innovation, A Future of Simplicity
Exploring the evolution of virtual desktops from their early on-premise iterations to today’s cutting-edge cloud-based solutions. We’ll trace key milestones in desktop virtualization—highlighting the technological breakthroughs, shifting user expectations, and the growing demand for agility, security, and scalability. As we transition from the complex infrastructures of the past to modern cloud-native environments, the focus shifts toward simplicity: simplified management for IT teams, streamlined user experiences, and faster onboarding of new tools and technologies. We’ll also examine how cloud desktops are reshaping industries like healthcare and education, making sophisticated computing environments more accessible and cost-effective. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of where virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) has been, where it’s headed, and how organizations can leverage today’s innovations to drive operational efficiency, user satisfaction, and long-term flexibility.